WEB EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Marine reacts to $2.8M Las Vegas jackpot

An example of what Degenhardt saw on the slot machine as he hit the jackpot

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -

Among the thousands of slot machines in Las Vegas, U.S. Marine Corporal Alexander Degenhardt picked the right one.

He hit a progressive jackpot worth $2,882,808.32 at the Bellagio on Sunday night.

"When
I hit the bonus round, there was a wheel that you spin," Degenhardt
explained. "So, I spun the wheel and it stopped on the dollar sign. My
eyes got big and I'm, like, looking at my friend saying 'what does that
mean?' and they said, 'Oh my God, you won!'"

The
26-year-old's life took a wild turn. He was in Las Vegas for a
week-long military training session. While on a break, he stopped off at
the casino with $100 in hand.

"This is the second-biggest jackpot we've ever had in 80 years of gaming," said Bally Technologies spokesman Mike Trask.

"To have it be a U.S. Marine who was here in town, training at Nellis, couldn't be a better person to win," Trask added.

"It
still seems surreal," said Degenhardt. "I didn't see the check yet, so
of course Uncle Sam will get his tax money out of that."

The
Corporal said he will use his new-found riches to help his mom and his
sister, and while he's at it, maybe buy himself a new car.

By the way, he's sticking with the Marines.

"Some
of my best friends are in the Marine Corps, and I have signed a
contract," he said. "I got obligations to fulfill. I'm not gonna just
walk away from it now, just because I have tons of money now."

Cpl. Degenhardt is stationed at Naval Indian Head in Maryland, and just re-enlisted for four more years in the Marines.

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